The next time you hit Kayak in the market for a plane ticket, the results will likely look a bit different than they did pre-Oct. 17.

It's tough to put a finger on what's changed, at first. But then you realize: those little airline logos. There aren't as many of them as there used to be.

And how.

We've lived through an era of airline consolidation — and we're still in it. The merger of US Airways and American Airlines was in the works for a long while. The culmination came last Saturday when the final US Airways flight landed in Pittsburgh, ending a business that started in 1939.

The brand is now as dead as Pan Am, Northwest Airlines, Continental and TWA.

For MSP travelers, the most noticeable changes will be rebranding of the US Airways ticket counters and gates in Terminal 1 (aka the Lindbergh Terminal, aka the main terminal) to the American livery.

The three remaining legacy carriers — United, American and Delta, and low-cost (but huge) Southwest — dominate air traffic in the U.S. Some think that's OK, and maybe even beneficial because it's financially strengthening the remaining players in a notoriously volatile business.

Others (and I'm one of them) worry that the consolidated landscape isn't good for consumers. Why? Simple math. If you're looking for a business class or first class experience, you have three mainline choices: American, Delta and United. Southwest is famously egalitarian, with one class of service only.

If you want a better coach experience, there are only four mainline airlines vying for your business. Some regional airlines will be in the mix for sure, but they are not known for breaking ranks on service when it's a costly proposition. And making coach more comfortable is costly.

If you want confidence that a marginal route you rely on for business or personal travel will be there in the future, there is less reason to believe that another airline will come to the rescue if one of the Big 4 bails out.

And then there's price competition. Only less of it.

That smaller motivation to fight for my business on price and service makes me nervous. Every time competition narrows, I get worried.

And then I think: "How much worse can it get for the average coach traveler?"

And then I shudder.

Good luck out there.

Bright Spot in the airport

If you're head over heels for dogs, you have something to look forward to in the airport. A growing number of airports are working with organizations that bring trained therapy dogs into airports to help travelers de-stress.

I ran into Jenna and Ziggy last week in the Albany airport on my way home from a trip to New York. I met their Yorkie colleagues, Kate and Tallulah, just up the hall.

The handlers are invariably pleasant people, and the dogs are a kick. Ziggy, for instance, was trained to respond to written commands on small signs: "Wave." "Roll over." "Down."

The world needs more dogs in airports.

Hawaii-bound

Have you made your Hawaiian vacation plans yet?

Deltaily, nonstop flights to Honolulu from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport resume Nov. 19. The service continues through March 26.

Pack light, bring your bike

Designated parking for motorcycles is now available at MSP.

Check out the motorcycle area on the ground level of Quick Ride Ramp about 1 mile from Terminal 1 (aka the Lindbergh Terminal, aka the main terminal). The ramp is off Highway 5 at the Post Road exit. A free shuttle that runs 24/7 will pick you up at your motorcycle, take you to the terminal and shuttle you back to your bike after your trip.

Send travel questions to lschwarz@stcloudtimes.com. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @LisaSSchwarz, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sctimeslisa. Get travel news daily at www.sctimes.com/life/travel.